THE NEXT MORNING
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
The morning sun filters through the canopy, casting long shadows as I push deeper into the forest. My makeshift spear is a bit more refined now, sharpened against stone, the handle wrapped in strips of bark for grip. The first hunt had been rough, but the next few came easier. It's almost like my senses are…sharper. My hearing picks up rustles in the brush, the snap of twigs, even the faint whispers of paws against dirt.By the time I stop to rest, I've caught four more rabbits and a pair of pheasants. I skin them carefully, saving the pelts and wrapping the meat in thick leaves. The scent of fresh blood would probably attract predators if I didn't move quickly.
"Progress detected. Survival skills increasing. 5 SP awarded."System said.
I pause, wiping sweat from my brow.
"So, I'm leveling up?" I mutter, half amused.
"Affirmative. Increased skill proficiency unlocks new abilities and access to enhanced instincts."System said.
I shake my head, glancing down at the bundle of pelts and meat.
"I'll worry about instincts later. Right now, I just want some damn clothes."I said.
I take one last look at the forest behind me before turning southeast, heading in the direction the system indicated earlier. The path is rough, mostly dirt and stones, but after about an hour, it starts to widen. Trees thin out, and I can see fields stretching out beyond the tree line, dotted with farmhouses and grazing livestock. The wooden gate is open, guarded by two burly men in leather armor, though they barely glance at me as I approach. I guess a dirty guy with a pile of pelts isn't exactly threatening.
Willowdale is…interesting. Stone paved roads, wooden stalls with cloth awnings, and people bustling about, trading, chatting, laughing. The scent of fresh bread and roasting meat fills the air, and my stomach growls in response. I tighten my grip on the pelts, feeling a bit out of place. I probably look like a wild man who crawled out of the woods, and judging by the way people are starting to look at me, I'm not far off.
I make my way to the marketplace, where traders call out their goods. One stall catches my eye, its awning is deep green, draped with furs and leatherwork. The merchant behind it is a tall, stern looking woman with sharp eyes that flick to me as I approach. I set the bundle of pelts on the counter, ignoring the dirt smudged on my hands.
"I want to trade these."I said.
Her eyebrows lift, and she picks up one of the pelts, inspecting it.
"You hunted these yourself?"He asked.
I nod, squaring my shoulders.
"Yeah. They're fresh."I said and nodded.
She examines the stitching, the cut.
"You've got good hands for a hunter." She muttered, almost to herself. "Clean work…you're not from Willowdale, are you?"
"No." I don't elaborate, and she doesn't ask. She sets the pelt down and nods.
"I'll give you six silver crowns for the lot."She said.
I hesitate.
"Is that…a good deal?"I asked, confused.
Her eyes glint with amusement.
"For someone who looks like they crawled out of the woods? It's better than fair."She said and grinned.
I snort, handing them over. She counts out the coins, pressing them into my palm. They're heavier than I expected, cool and solid. Six silver crowns. More than enough for clothes and maybe even food. I'm about to turn away when I hear someone mutter nearby.
"That's the guy who came from the woods? Never seen him around before…"A voice said.
"Heard he brought back enough meat and pelts to make the traders shut up for once."Another said.
"Must be good with a blade, huh?"Third one said.
I turn slightly, catching glimpses of people watching me, some whispering, some nodding with something like respect. It's…unexpected. I look back at the merchant, who's already setting up new furs.
"Where can I get some proper clothes around here?"I asked.
She smirks, nodding down the road.
"Take a right past the bakery. Tailor's shop has what you're looking for."She said.
I give her a nod of thanks, turning to head down the road. The villagers watch as I pass, some whispering, some just staring. I don't know if it's admiration or suspicion, but I can't bring myself to care.
The scent of fresh bread nearly drags me off course as I head down the cobbled path.I stop at a stall where a plump woman is selling loaves straight out of a wood-fired oven, the tops dusted with flour. I slap down one of my silver crowns, and she hands me a steaming loaf without a word. I don't even bother waiting I tear off a chunk and shove it into my mouth, nearly groaning at the softness and the warmth. It's simple, but it tastes like heaven after days of running.
I continue down the road, gnawing on the bread as I follow the merchant's directions. Past the bakery, a little shop with wide windows and neatly folded clothes comes into view. A painted sign above the door reads 'Willow's Stitchery.'
I push open the door, and a little bell jingles overhead. The inside is…cozy. Rolls of fabric are stacked neatly along the walls, and mannequins display shirts, trousers, and cloaks of all colors and materials. A woman in her forties with graying hair and sharp eyes glances up from her sewing.
"You're new." She said, not bothering to make it a question. Her eyes flick over my messy hair and dirt treaked clothes. "And you need something proper, I see."
I nod, brushing crumbs off my shirt.
"Something durable. And, uh…cheap." I add, clutching my silver crowns tightly.
She snorts, getting up from her chair and beckoning me to follow her down the rows of clothing.
"Lucky for you, I've got a clearance rack. Should fit your build." She pulls out a pair of dark trousers, sturdy and well-stitched, followed by a white linen shirt and a leather vest.
I run my fingers over the material. It's simple but well-made.
"How much?"I asked.
"Four silver crowns for the set. I'll throw in a cloak for another one if you're interested."She said.
I hesitate, my fingers brushing the last of the coins in my hand. Five would leave me with one crown left. Enough for maybe a meal or two if I'm careful.
"Deal." I nod firmly. She grins, bundling the clothes up and tying them with a bit of twine.
"There's a washroom out back if you want to clean up and change." She offers, her tone softer than before. I guess I look worse than I thought.
I take her up on it, slipping out the back where a stone basin and a pump stand waiting. I splash water over my face and hands, scrubbing off days of dirt and dried blood. My reflection in the water is sharper than I remember like the system's changes are smoothing out the edges, sharpening the features. My eyes seem brighter, my skin clearer. I'm not sure how I feel about that.
Once I'm as clean as I can manage, I change into the new clothes. They fit well, surprisingly so. The linen shirt is light but warm, the trousers snug but flexible. The leather vest ties it all together, and the cloak is a dark gray that flutters nicely when I move. For the first time since I got here, I almost feel…normal. I step back into the shop, my old, tattered clothes bundled up under my arm. The woman raises an eyebrow and nods approvingly.
"Much better. Almost look like you belong here."She said.
I chuckle.
"Thanks…uh?"I said a little emberassed.
"Matilda." She nods, folding a bit of fabric over her arm. "And you?"
"Xavier."I said.
She looks me up and down again, eyes sharp.
"You come back if you need repairs. First one's free."She said.
I nod, surprised at her generosity.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."I said.
With that, I step back out onto the main road. People are still bustling about, but I get fewer stares now. I blend in, just another traveler with a new cloak and a fresh start. The system hums in my head, that familiar whisper returning.
"Task complete: Acquire clothing and food. 3 SP awarded. Next task initializing…"System said.
I straighten up, my hand instinctively going to the edge of my cloak. The world feels a little more real under my feet, the silver coins jingling softly in my pocket as I walk down the street. Now I need contunie to survive in this strange world.